Time for 170 lawmakers to take a stab at the budget

A top Senate budget-writer says Gov. Pat McCrory's proposal this week for North Carolina government spending is a good start but says the General Assembly now must draw up its plan with the potential input of 170 different legislators.

Sen. Pete Brunstetter of Forsyth County on Thursday laid out the next steps for getting a two-year state budget to McCrory that he can sign before the new fiscal year begins July 1.

Brunstetter says both chambers will determine spending targets. The Senate will pass its own version of the budget by mid-May, soon after April 15 tax collection numbers are released. Then the House will pass its own version, setting up a conference committee to work out differences.

Brunstetter says he still expects a final budget to McCrory by mid-June.